1. Educational leadership
- Outstanding capacity for visionary and exemplary educational leadership of a school.
- Highly developed skills in leading and managing change including the leadership of others in the process of change.
2. Financial, managerial and administrative ability
- Outstanding financial, organisational and resource management skills.
3. Planning, policy and program development and review
- Exemplary values appropriate to the development of student learning with a demonstrated capacity to achieve high quality student outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to implement Department policies to a high level.
- An understanding of, and a commitment to, the use of learning technologies to improve teaching and learning.
4. Leadership of staff and students
- A highly developed capacity to motivate staff, develop their talents and build an effective team.
- A clear capacity to foster a learning environment that takes account of the individual needs of students and helps students to develop their special abilities and talents.
5. Interpersonal and communication skills
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills in individual, small group and community contexts.
- Exemplary values pertaining to personal qualities of objectivity, sensitivity and integrity.
- An ability to work with parents and the community to develop a strong learning environment.
The assistant principal reports directly to the principal.
Assistant principals have a primary responsibility for the management of significant areas or functions within the school to ensure the effective development, provision and evaluation of the school's education program. In exercising the responsibility, assistant principals will have the authority to make all significant decisions relating to the program, budget and staff relating to their area of designated responsibility within the framework of the school's strategic plan, policies and budget. Assistant principals will contribute to the overall management of the school through involvement in policy formulation and decision making.
The management of significant school program or functional areas in schools involve assistant principals in the analysis of the needs of students and the translation of state educational policy and frameworks into appropriate education programs to meet the needs of all students.
Typically assistant principals will be responsible for the effective use of the teaching staff and program budget of a defined area of the school's operation and for the oversight and leadership of the educational programs provided utilising these resources.
Typically, assistant principals perform one or more of the following functions:
- supervision and coordination of the work of senior curriculum or level coordinators;
- allocation of budgets, positions of responsibility and other resources within the area of responsibility;
- supervision of the delivery of teaching programs;
- management of programs to improve the knowledge and experience of staff;
- responsibility for general discipline matters beyond the management of classroom teachers and year level coordinators;
- contribute to the overall management of the school;
Appropriately qualified individuals currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
Assistant Principal-Range 2 - Excellence in teaching and learning
Whittlesea Secondary College is seeking a dynamic school leader to join the College's Principal and Leadership Teams at this exciting time of growth and change. Applicants aspiring to this position will need to have a proven record of educational, human, symbolic, cultural and technical leadership including the capacity to inspire others and lead them in change. They will need to be able to build, support and lead teams to create a learning environment of respect and achievement that creates opportunities for students to become active learners and confident participants in the community.
The Assistant Principal will work to create systems that support the Vision and Values and educational goals of the school and translate them into programs, practices and partnerships, working with all members of the school community.
While the College's leadership roles and responsibilities are shared with other members of the Principal and Leadership Teams, there will be core responsibilities for the Assistant Principal that will include a range of the following responsibilities:
Common responsibilities of the Assistant Principal roles include:
- Provide leadership to the College in the ongoing implementation and commitment of Whittlesea Secondary College's Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan, School Vision, Values and Codes of Practice.
- Assist the Principal in the leadership and management of the educational, administrative and financial operations of the school and be prepared, in the Principal's absence, to assume the Principal's role and responsibilities.
- Ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach for the implementation of the Department of Education and Training (DET) policies, processes, initiatives and programs.
- Facilitate an effective, safe and harassment free environment for students and staff.
- Role modelling a commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning.
- Provide leadership, advice, support, counselling, and supervision in the assessment of student needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of the school programs and assist in professional development activities for members of the school staff community.
- Encourage community involvement in school activities, networks and organisations which focus on education and the active participation of parents, teachers and students in appropriate decision-making forums.
- Oversee school timetable and daily organisation responsibilities
- Providing an environment that supports the effective performance of staff and optimises student learning within the school.
Assistant Principals may also have a teaching allotment.
If you are interested in a tour of our College and to meet our Principal Kathy Mourkakos, please contact Kylie Carlson Executive Assistant-Principal on 9719 1200.
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:
- The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and
- if the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; and
- a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after 1 July 2016 must also demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements (this condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian ITE program completed by the person).
Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools.
Whittlesea Secondary College is located in the outer metropolitan suburb of Whittlesea, in Melbourne's north. With an enrolment of approximately 780 students and situated on a spacious 30-acre site, the College enjoys a unique semi-rural setting that provides a calm and expansive learning environment.
WSC is a well-established and proud part of the local community, with a rich history of delivering authentic, varied, and engaging learning opportunities. While our students come from over 30 different feeder primary schools, we maintain strong community connections and place great importance on nurturing a sense of belonging for every student.
We are committed to offering a diverse and forward-thinking curriculum that empowers students to take control of their learning and lives. From Years 7 through to VCE, VET, and VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM), our programs are designed to support every learner to thrive, discover their passions, and build meaningful future pathways.
Our teaching and leadership structure is designed to support high-quality learning experiences. The College is led by one Principal and three Assistant Principals, supported by 5 Leading Teachers, 2 Learning Specialists,72 teaching staff, and 17 EFT Education Support Officers. Our strong and collaborative leadership team works to foster continuous improvement, professional excellence, and inclusive learning for all students.
Student voice is a cornerstone of our school culture. We actively promote leadership and agency, providing students with multiple opportunities to lead projects, contribute to decision-making, and make a meaningful difference in the school and wider community.
The College is proud to offer a dynamic senior year's program that supports academic and vocational pathways. In addition to VCE, students can engage in VET studies, School-Based Apprenticeships, and VCE-VM. Our purpose-built Trade Training Centre delivers VET courses in Automotive, Engineering, and Building & Construction, helping students gain hands-on skills and industry certifications.
We maintain a strong focus on literacy and numeracy growth across all year levels, using evidence-based strategies, targeted assessment, and personalised support to meet individual learning needs. Innovative and inquiry-based learning, enhanced by extensive digital technology, encourages creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Communication between students, staff, and families is supported through the COMPASS School Management System, ensuring a connected and informed school community.
Whittlesea Secondary College also provides a vibrant co-curricular program, including Performing Arts, Music, state-level sporting opportunities, scholarship programs, and our partnership with our local services. These offerings reinforce our commitment to developing the whole person and building strong links with our community.
At WSC, we value student-centred learning and foster student leadership across the entire school. Our goal is to help young people find their voice, develop resilience, and prepare confidently for a complex and rapidly changing world. We are proud to be shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and contributors.
